Laser Survey 2005 On The Beam
To give a snapshot of the laser-etching industry, Stone Business brings together the products and the producers in its first Laser Survey. If it’s for marking stone with an intense beam of light – from tile-sized pieces to slabs – it’s here.
Bringing a laser to bear on stone is a worldwide trend, but – unlike other industry machinery – the products tend to hail more from North America than overseas. A few of the machines are imported, but only one this year – the Sei model offered by Vision Engraving Systems – is from Italy, and a few come from the Pacific Rim.
Lasers for stone also tend to migrate to the trade from elsewhere, most notably the awards-and-engraving (also called recognition) industry. The machines made for that sector often deal with smaller goods, such as pens and trophy plaques, along with smaller stone pieces.
To tune the information for stone fabricators, this year’s survey focuses on a few key issues. For one, a machine had to have a production area – the space where the laser can do its work – of at least 12” X 12”. There’s also a listing for the amount of weight a machine can handle, since there’s more bulk to a monument or 2 ft2 marble tile than a commemorative award.
The weight capacity is key for moving the machine’s worktable, which is noted under “Z-axis table movement” in the product listings. To change some variables with the laser, including resolution and etching effectiveness, the process involves moving the level of the worktable closer or farther away from the location of the laser.
There’s also an indication of the construction of the machine itself. A flatbed has an open gantry design much like a router or a CNC machine; an enclosed cabinet puts everything inside a container, mainly for safety at close quarters. However, some of these enclosures have ways to slide larger, longer pieces through the machines.
The size of the production area also doesn’t limit the size of the finished product. Nearly all the machines support some sort of tiling routine, where images can be etched in smaller sections and then matched together later to form a larger image.
All the machines use lines (or vectors) as a pattern for output, much like a CNC tool path. However, instead of using specialized software, the lasers usually take data directly from vector-based graphics software, most notably Corel Corp.’s CorelDRAW®. Other software from the engraving industry (like PhotoGraV from Schrock’s Computer Works) can address other needs, such as creating a halftone-dot effect for reproducing photographs. Machine manufacturers, in most cases, provide printer drivers for laser power and other settings.
Some companies also get their laser engravers from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), such as GCC in Taipei, Taiwan. LaserProUSA machines are manufactured by GCC, for example; some similar models are available with the Pinnacle™ nameplate from Engravers Warehouse at www.laserpin.com.
Models can change, and prices can vary at any time. For the latest information – and before making any purchase commitment – always contact manufacturers at the telephone numbers or Websites provided with each listing.
The information provided is from surveys distributed to manufacturers in March 2005 along with additional research by Stone Business staff.
ALLEN DATAGRAPH SYSTEMS INC,
Salem, N.H.
LE Series
4’ or 5’ X 4’, 5’, 8’, 10’, 12’
Price: Beginning at $39,950
Laser: CO2
Power range (W): 30 ,50 , 100.
Configuration: Flatbed
Maximum material size: 5’ X unlimited’ (multiple job spooling).
Production area: 5’ X 12’ (maximum)
Maximum materials weight accepted: Unlimited
Range of resolution (dpi): 150, 200, 300.
Data interface: Ethernet, Serial, USB.
Software included: Yes
U.S.-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Other notable features: Made in USA.
Contact: Allen Datagraph Systems Inc., 800-258-6360; www.allendatagraph.com.
CAM TECH INDUSTRIES INC.
Calgary, Alberta
Lasermaster L20
Price: Contact manufacturer
Laser: CO2
Power range (W): 25 or 60
Configuration: Flatbed
Production area: 52” x 102” (Larger production pieces can be tiled together.)
Maximum materials weight accepted: Approximately 50 lbs. per ft2.
Z-axis table movement: Manual lens focus
Range of resolution (dpi): 200-300 recommended; machine can engrave 1200 dpi or higher.
Data interface: Ethernet, USB.
Software included: CorelDraw® Suite 12, PhotoGraV, TPCWin (vector cutting).
U.S.-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Other notable features: Windows-based CMC2 controller with Windows XP Pro computer; software for large-format etching; removable table top for 32” under-gantry clearance for large projects; ability to etch several jobs simultaneously; laser diode pointer (optional).
Contact: CAM Tech Industries Inc, 800-514-8188. www.camtech.ca
EPILOG LASER
Golden, Colo.
Mini 18
Mini 24
Helix
Legend 32EX
Legend 36EXT
Price: $9,995-$13,495 (Mini 18, varies by laser wattage); $14,495-$15,995 (Mini 24, varies by laser wattage); $16,995-$25,900 (Helix, varies by laser wattage); $21,375-$37,900 (Legend 32EX, varies by laser wattage); $23,250-$42,990 (Legend 36EXT, varies by laser wattage).
Laser: CO2
Power range (W): 25-120.
Configuration: Enclosed cabinet
Maximum material size: 18” X 12” (Mini 18); 24” X 12” (Mini 24); 24” X 18” (Helix); 32” X 20” (Legend 32EX); 36” X 24 (Legend 36EXT).
Production area: Same as maximum material size
Maximum materials weight accepted: Table lifting capacity of 25 lbs. (Mini 18, Mini 24); 30 lbs. (Helix); 40 lbs. (EX, EXT).
Z-axis table movement: Motorized
Range of resolution (dpi): User selectable 75, 150, 200, 300, 400, 600, 1200.
Data interface: Ethernet, USB.
Software included: No
U.S.-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Epilog Laser, 303-277-1188; www.epiloglaser.com.
GRAVOGRAPH-NEW HERMES
Duluth, Ga.
LS700,
LS800
LS900
Price: Not published
Laser: CO2
Power range (W): 20, 25, 30, 40, 60, 80.
Configuration: Enclosed cabinet
Maximum material size: 12” X 12”, 12” X 24”, 24” X 24”.
Production area: Same as maximum material size.
Maximum materials weight accepted: 55 lbs.
Z-axis table movement: Programmable
Range of resolution (dpi): 50-1200
Data interface: Parallel, serial.
Software included: No
U.S.-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Other notable features: Drop-door front, upgradable laser source, integrated drivers (standard); integrated compressor (optional).
Contact: Gravograph New Hermes, 770-623-0331; www.gravograph.com.
KERN ELECTRONICS AND LASERS INC.
Wadena, Minn.
24” X 24” table
48” X 24” table
52” X 50” table
52” X 100” table
72” X 72” table
72” X 144” table
Price: $33,000-$144,000
Laser: CO2
Power range (W): 30-400
Configuration: Enclosed cabinet and flatbed
Maximum material size and production area: Same as table size
Maximum materials weight accepted: 4000 lbs.
Z-axis table movement: Manual or automatic
Range of resolution (dpi): 50-2000
Data interface: Ethernet
Software included: KCAM, CorelDRAW 12, other graphics software.
U.S.-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Other notable features: Custom design, autofeed, rollers for heavy stone.
Contact: Kern Electronics and Lasers Inc., 888-660-2744; www.kernlasers.com.
LASERPROUSA
Morgan Hill, Calif.
Venus
Mercury
Spirit
Explorer
Neptune
Price: Venus $8,995 (Venus); $10,995 (Mercury); $13,995 (Spirit); $18,995 (Explorer); $44,995 (Neptune). (All prices reflect initial configuration; higher amounts for increased laser wattage.)
Laser: CO2
Power range (W): 12-100
Configuration: Enclosed cabinet, flatbed.
Maximum material size: 11.8” X 14.2” (Venus); 25” X any length (Mercury); 29” X any length (Spirit); 39” X any length (Explorer); 50” X any length (Neptune).
Production area: 8.2” X 11.8” (Venus); 18” X 25” (Mercury, per section); 18” X 29” (Spirit, per section); 20” X 38” (Explorer, per section); 36” X 50” (Neptune, per section).
Maximum materials weight accepted: 20 lbs. (Venus); 200 lbs (Mercury, Spirit, Explorer); 500 lbs. (Neptune).
Z-axis table movement: Manual and automatic.
Range of resolution (dpi): 125 -1000.
Data interface: Parallel, serial, USB.
Software included: No
U.S.-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Other notable features: Enhanced 3D engraving, multiple/single job selection, lighted work area, pass-through with easy-open front and rear doors (standard); SmartMemory, dual-head attachment (optional).
Contact: LaserProUSA, 866-4-LAZERS; www.laserprousa.com.
TROTEC LASER INC.
Ypsilanti, Mich.
Speedy 100
Speedy II
Professional
FineMarker
FineMarker Hybrid
Price: $16,000-$22,000 (Speedy 100); $21,000-$49,000 (Speedy II); $75,000-$130,000 (Professional).
Laser: CO2 (Speedy series, Professional); YAG (FineMarker); both (FineMarker Hybrid).
Power range (W): 25-45 (Speedy 100); 25-100 (Speedy II); 65-240 (Professional); 45 (FineMarker Hybrid).
Configuration: Enclosed cabinet and flatbed
Maximum material size: 12” X 24” to 51” X 51”
Production area: 24” X 12 (Speedy 100); 29” X 17” (Speedy II, FineMarker series); 51” X 51” (Professional).
Maximum materials weight accepted: 30 lbs.-100 lbs.
Z-axis table movement: Automatic, software-controlled.
Range of resolution (dpi): 125-1000
Data interface: Ethernet, USB.
Software included: Trotec JoControl
U.S.-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Other notable features: Three table lead screws; electrically integrated fume-exhaust system and air-assist pump (Speedy series).
Contact: Trotec Laser Inc., 866-226-8505; www.troteclaser.com.
UNIVERSAL LASER SYSTEMS INC.
Scottsdale, Ariz.
VL-200
VL-300
M-300
M-360
V-460
X-660
X2-660
X2-SuperSpeed
XL-9200
XL-12000
X-650Y
Price: $7,995 base (VL-200); $11,995 base (VL-300); varies (all others).
Laser: CO2 (all except X-650Y); YAG (X-650Y).
Power range (W): 10-25 (VL-200); 10-50 (VL-300); 25-50 (M-300); 25-60 (M-360, V-460, X-660); 25-120 (X2-660, X2-SuperSpeed); 25-210 (XL-9200, XL-12000); 50 (X-650Y).
Configuration: Enclosed cabinet (all models)
Maximum material size: 18.75” X 14.5” X 4” (VL-200); 26.75” X 14.5” X 4” (VL-300); 29” X 17” X 9” (M models); 29” X 23” X 9” (V-460); 37” X 23” X 9” (X-660, X2 models, X-650Y); 41.5” X 29.5” X 8.5” (XL-9200); 53.5” X 29.5” X 8.5” (XL-12000).
Production area: 16” X 12” (VL-200); 24” X 12” (VL-300, M models); 24” X 18” (V-460); 32” X 18” (X-660, X2 models, X-650Y); 36” X 24” (XL-9200); 48” X 24” (XL-12000)
Maximum materials weight accepted: 20 lbs. (VL-200, VL-300); 40 lbs. (M models, V-460, X-660, X2 models, X-650Y); 60 lbs. (XL-9200, XL-12000)
Z-axis table movement: Automatic (all models)
Data interface: USB (standard VL-200 and VL-300, optional all other models); Ethernet (standard XL-9200 and XL-12000, optional M models, V-460, X-660, X2 models, X-650Y); parallel (standard M models, V-460, X-660, X2 models, X-650Y).
Software included: Yes (VL-200)
U.S.-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Other notable features: Materials-driven print driver (VL-200, VL-300); quick-change laser cartridges (M-300. M-360, V-460, X-660, X2-660, X2-SuperSpeed); simultaneous multi-line engraving (X2-SuperSpeed);
Contact: Universal Laser Systems Inc., 480-483-1214; www.ulsinc.com.
VISION ENGRAVING SYSTEMS
Phoenix
Giotto 3 axis
Price: $98,000
Laser: CO2
Power range (W): 100-300
Maximum material size: 25” X 25”
Production area: 19.5” X 19.5”
Maximum materials weight accepted: Customized to customer specifications.
Z-axis table movement: Automatic
Range of resolution (dpi): Laser does not operate in dpi increments; graphics can be reproduced up to 1000 dpi.
Data interface: Ethernet
Software included: Icaro
U.S.-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Other notable features: This is a 3-axes galvo-based laser. Field size can be varied from 8” x 8 “ to 19.5” x 19.5”. Spot diameter also varies through these sizes from approximately .0015 to .008”. Manufacturer is Sei Italy (www.seispa.com).
Contact: Vision Engraving Systems, 602-439-0600; www.visionengravers.com.
VYTEK
Fitchburg, Mass.
FX3624
FX5136
FX5151
FX23624
FX25124
MLS610
MLS610
MLS4448
MLS4496
MLT4496
MLS610
MLS610
MLS4448
MLS4496
MLT4496
Price: $25,000-$75,000
Laser: CO2
Power range (W): 25-200
Configuration: Enclosed cabinet (FX & FX2 series); flatbed (M series).
Maximum material size: 36” X 24” (smallest machine): 6’ X 10’ (largest machine). (Does not limit size of finished product.)
Production area: 24” X 36” (FX3624, FX23624); 24” X 51” (FX25124); 36” X 51” (FX5136); 50” X 50” (MLS4448); 51” X 51” (FX5151); 50” X 100” (MLS4496, MLT4496); 6’ X 10’ (MLS610).
Maximum materials weight accepted: Varies by product, up to 10,000 lbs.
Z-axis table movement: Automatic (FX2 series and MLT); manual.
Range of resolution (dpi): Up to 1200.
Data interface: Ethernet.
Software included: No (Uses any graphics software.)
U.S.-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Contact: Vytek, 978-342-9800; sales@vy-tek.com, www.graniteart.com.
XENETECH
Baton Rouge, La.
XLT 1325
XLE 1325
XLT 2436
XLE 2436
Aurora
Laser: CO2
Power range (W): 30, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 200.
Configuration: Enclosed cabinet
Maximum material size: 13” X 25”, 18” X 30” and 24” X 36” plus front and back panels open for material pass-through.
Production area: Same as maximum materials size.
Maximum materials weight accepted: 150 lbs. static, 75 lbs. in motion.
Z-axis table movement: Automatic
Range of resolution (dpi): 0-1270.
Data interface: Ethernet
Software included: Xenetech Graphic Workstation (XGW-32) Professional Engraving Software; laser print driver for third-party software (CorelDRAW, etc.).
U.S.-based repair and maintenance: Yes
Other notable features: 10” of Z-axis clearance; touch-screen keypad with job preview, pan, and zoom; two-year warranty with full customer-service support.
Contact: Xenetech, 225-752-0225; sales@xenetech.com, www.xenetech.com.